Erbil Civil Defense officials announced on Saturday that a gas station fire in the Fermanberan neighborhood resulted from the business ignoring repeated safety warnings. Spokesperson Shakhawan Saeed stated that 11 firefighting teams successfully controlled the blaze within 35 minutes, but two employees sustained minor injuries. The fire destroyed several vehicles, and authorities confirmed no fatalities occurred.
Saeed stated the fire started when workers unloaded gasoline near an active generator and liquefied petroleum gas tanks. Officials had warned the station multiple times about violating safety standards before the incident. The gas station was located fewer than 150 meters from residential homes, despite regulations requiring a minimum distance of 150 to 500 meters.
Authorities plan to impose fines and permanently close the facility. Fire incidents in Erbil decreased 40 percent this year compared to last year, and gas station fires dropped from 16 cases to four. The licensing authority shares responsibility for allowing the station to operate in a residential area.
Saeed stated the fire started when workers unloaded gasoline near an active generator and liquefied petroleum gas tanks. Officials had warned the station multiple times about violating safety standards before the incident. The gas station was located fewer than 150 meters from residential homes, despite regulations requiring a minimum distance of 150 to 500 meters.
Authorities plan to impose fines and permanently close the facility. Fire incidents in Erbil decreased 40 percent this year compared to last year, and gas station fires dropped from 16 cases to four. The licensing authority shares responsibility for allowing the station to operate in a residential area.
